Frank Lampard says his decision to leave Antonio Rudiger and Ruben Loftus-Cheek out of his squad against Barnsley does not mean they are definitely leaving Chelsea.
Lampard also confirmed a deal to sign Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is “done” and his arrival is set to be confirmed in the next 24 hours.
Rudiger and Loftus-Cheek have both been linked with loan exits from Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes next month.
The arrival of Thiago Silva has effectively pushed Antonio Rudiger down to fifth-choice centre-back at Chelsea and he has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain.
Loftus-Cheek faces limited opportunities this season following the arrivals of Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech.
But Lampard said not to read too much into his selection after Chelsea beat Barnsley 6-0 to set up a Carabao Cup clash against Tottenham.
Lampard said: “They were not in the squad, that is just a choice at the moment.
"With the centre backs, I cannot have them all in the squad. I know I keep getting asked about the question about the size of the squad, yes there may be movement in the squad but nothing is concrete so do not read too much into those selections at the minute.
In Pictures | Chelsea vs Barnsley | 23/09/2020
“It will have to be things that are right for the club, individuals and me in terms of what happens in the next couple of weeks.”
On Mendy, Lampard added: “The medical I think is done and I think it is complete. It seems on the verge of being done.”
